If you’ve got a layover in Yan’an, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ENY. The city, in China, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by Airport Bus / Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ENY:
First, verify that you can enter China — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Airport Bus / Taxi takes about 60 minutes into Yan’an, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — CNY is the currency here. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Transport from Yan’an Ershilipu Airport to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus / Taxi | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Airport Bus / Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Yan’an, here are two things worth checking out:
Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the main features in a short visit.
Baota Mountain (Pagoda Mountain) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ENY, you can spend time at Airport VIP Lounge or try Airport Souvenir and Convenience Store. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Yanhe Hotel Restaurant and Qishan Saozi Noodles are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Yan’an.
- At the airport: Airport Noodle House and Airport Cafe & Light Bites will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Yan’an might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$7 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$22 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Luggage Storage at ENY
Specific locker facilities at ENY aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Yan’an itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at ENY for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Yan’an or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Sleep & Lounge Options at ENY
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ENY, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Yan’an exploring the streets or relaxing at ENY, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.